Tunnel vision

SWAMPSCOTT – The senior tunnel is still canceled, but Swampscott High School Principal Edward Rozmiarek announced that he and the senior class officers have carved out a compromise. In a meeting with parents and students Thursday, Rozmiarek said after he announced an end to the tunnel last week to prevent the slightest form of hazing, the senior class officers came to him Tuesday to find another way to keep the senior spirit that the tradition celebrated.Rozmiarek reported that the group had settled on a replacement for the tunnel: seniors will line the school?s atrium on the first day to cheer as other classes make their way to the 10:30 a.m. school-wide assembly, before taking the place of honor in the first few rows of the auditorium. Seniors would also come the night before to decorate the atrium with school colors and signs.Rozmiarek said the focus would be on unifying the school and a welcoming environment. “School spirit is a lot more than yelling your head off in the parking lot,” he said.With the elimination of the tunnel, Rozmiarek said he would also not tolerate running and yelling by seniors in the hallway, as traditionally done in the past immediately following the tunnel. “I get it, but it?s just not safe and on the first day of school it?s not an image that I think is a positive one,” said Rozmiarek.Rozmiarek also warned that police officers would not hesitate to ticket drivers and passengers who were hanging out of windows or violating any road regulations in what is usually perceived as “the senior parade.”School Committee student representative Tristan Smith, who also met individually with Rozmiarek following the tunnel?s cancelation, said he was satisfied with the compromise but worried about what Rozmiarek would change with other upcoming Swampscott traditions, which Smith said had allowed him to “thrive” and enjoy high school. “I?m nervous about other events being threatened,” said Smith.Rozmiarek said he looked forward to meeting with class representatives throughout the year as he acquaints himself to more of Swampscott?s traditions. “I don?t just jump in and change what I don?t know about,” he said.Senior class President Kelsey Lombard said she was concerned that if some students still act up in rebellion of the rule, the entire class would be punished.?Everybody?s got knuckleheads,” Rozmiarek responded. “We?ll deal with them as they come up.”